(Special)-More than 5.3 million visitors are expected to come to London during the Olympics this summer. If you are planning to be one of them, you’ll need a place to stay.

An alternative to staying in a regular hotel, many of which will be sold out during this busy time, is provided by onefinestay.

Billed as London’s first “unhotel,” onefinestay allows visitors to live like a local by staying in a distinctive home while the owner is out of town, with a service that offers all the convenience and comfort of a hotel.
Boasting a portfolio of more than 150 upscale homes across London, it provides more options for those travelling to London for the Olympics and/or general travellers who are looking for neighbourhoods away from all the Olympic hoopla.

Guests also enjoy luxury amenities like five-star hotel linens and toiletries from The White Company as standard and every guest is also lent an iPhone for the duration of their stay which is stocked with local tips and helpful videos recorded by the home’s owner, and from which they can make free local calls.

If you are looking for something more than just a hotel room for the times when you are not taking in the athletic competitions, and as a base for your nights on the town, check out www.onefinestay.com.

By Cedric Avery
The historic Plaza Hotel in New York City has been the scene of many a memorable night on the town. And what better night for it than New Year’s Eve?
The hotel is offering a package enabling guests to usher in the New Year with an exclusive experience that combines the hotel’s luxurious accommodations with five-star dining and world-class spa.
Built in 1907, the 20-story Plaza is a New York landmark and is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
The hotel has been the location for a host of movies, beginning with Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest in 1959, and including Barefoot in the Park, Funny Girl, Plaza Suite, The Way We Were, Arthur, Crocodile Dundee, Home Alone 2, Sleepless in Seattle, Hollywood Ending and Bride Wars.
It’s also a setting for F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel The Great Gatsby, as well as Kay Thompson’s series of Eloise children’s books, published in the 1950s, about a young girl who lived at the hotel.
The Plaza recently underwent a $450 million, three-year, lobby-to-roof renovation and restoration. Restored to former glory are the Palm Court, Oak Room and Oak Bar, and the opulent Plaza Grand Ballroom.
New additions are the elegant Champagne Bar in the lobby, the stylish Rose Club and the newly opened Plaza Food Hall by Todd English.
Other amenities include the Shops at the Plaza, a world-class retail collection with a Caudalie Vinotherapie(R) Spa, Warren-Tricomi Salon and the Eloise shop.
Also this holiday season, the hotel boasts a Betsey Johnson-designed Eloise tree in the Fifth Avenue foyer, as well as an exclusive pop up curated by the renowned designer.
Guests who book the New Year’s Eve at The Plaza package will enjoy accommodations for two in a guestroom or suite, a New Year’s Eve celebration for two at The Plaza Food Hall by Todd English, $100 food and beverage credit to be redeemed in the Palm Court, Rose Club or Champagne Bar and a $200 spa gift voucher.
They will also receive two keepsake Plaza crystal champagne flutes to commemorate ringing in the New Year at the hotel.
The package is offered December 30, 2011 to January 1, 2012 for a two night minimum length of stay, subject to availability. Rates are from $2,012 USD based on two nights and double occupancy.
More information or reservations are available by calling 877-418-3851 or go to http://www.fairmont.com/theplaza.